Where to eat, drink in Ivanhoe

From wood-fired pizzas to some of the best fish and chips in town, these are best places to eat and drink in Ivanhoe.

From wood-fired pizzas with fancy toppings, twice-cooked Chinese pork belly to some of the best fish and chips in Melbourne, these are the best places to eat and drink in Ivanhoe, according to Lollo executive chef Adam D’Sylva.

Theo's Fish Bar in Ivanhoe. Photo: Josie Hayden

THEO’S FISH BAR

These are the best fish and chips, not just in Ivanhoe but across Melbourne.

They say Melbourne doesn’t do fish and chips as well as its interstate counterparts but Theo’s proves otherwise. Everything on the menu is prepared with care and to perfection. They’re particular about the oil they use and how often they change it. You can taste the difference.

If you need me on a Friday arvo, you’ll likely find me in the line at Theo’s.

165 Upper Heidelberg Rd

Wood Fire Pizzeria and Cucina in Ivanhoe. Picture: James Ross.

WOODFIRE PIZZERIA AND CUCINA

I’m half Italian so, naturally, pizza holds a place in my heart. Woodfire Pizzeria and Cucina has been around since 1999, and it’s still slinging the north’s best pizza.

I believe this comes down to the base, which they’ve perfected — I even eat the crusts. I also love the mix of traditional and adventurous toppings. My go-to pizza is the Calabrese, it’s topped with ‘nduja salami (fancy, I know), calabrese salami, fior di latte, marinated green olives, Ligurian olives and grana padano. Need I say more?

199 Upper Heidelberg Rd

VINOSHIS BEVERAGE SHOP

Ivanhoe East is home to Vinoshis Beverage Shop, an independent bar open for drink-in and takeaway. Owners Jasmine and Yuri have pulled together an impressive list, including crowd favourites and rarer bottles. As well as wine, beer, spirits and sake, they also serve a medley of cheese and charcuterie. Think burrata, pate, cured meats and terrine. Best enjoyed on a lazy weekend afternoon with friends.

253 Lower Heidelberg Rd, Ivanhoe East

BENJAMIN’S KITCHEN

A stone’s throw from Ivanhoe is the best authentic, modern Asian restaurant in the suburbs. The mastermind behind the menu is Benjamin Ruan, a Chinese native who immigrated to Australia and brought a whole lot of fresh, traditional and delicious culinary ideas with him. A few of my favourites include the twice-cooked pork belly, Thai fish cakes and hawker mee goreng. Arrive with an empty stomach.

758 Heidelberg Rd, Alphington

PINKIE

There’s a reason why Pinkie’s trade is roaring. Don’t let the line out the door scare you. The wait will be worth it once you take your first bite. The cafe has so many great options on the menu, including the salmon and avo bowl, the pinkie benedict and the green and grains bowl. For those with a sweet tooth, you can’t go wrong with the ricotta hotcakes, topped with lemon curd, vanilla mascarpone, honey ricotta, lemon crumble, candied orange and dark chocolate ganache.

1 Westley Ave

Adam D'Sylva. Picture: Kaylene Tan.

Adam D’Sylva is also a Lavazza ambassador, serving authentic Italian coffee at his venues across Melbourne.